Extreme Skier

Extreme Skier

Brook Sexton loves tearing up the slopes outside Alta, Utah. Known for its deep powder and challenging terrain, Alta features some of the best skiing in the United States. Brook blends in well with the rest of downhill enthusiasts. But on closer inspection, you’d see Brook’s orange vest isn’t a fashion accessory; it’s a reminder of her limitations. Brook’s skiing isn’t limited, but her sight is. You see, Brook was born blind. She tried skiing at age ten and fell in love with the sport. Now she’s able to zip down extreme black-diamond runs.

To navigate the difficult trails, Brook wears a special earpiece. Steve Paige follows about fifty feet behind her and gives her directions. He says his commands have to be short and specific, such as “turn right,” “slight left,” or “watch out—mogul.” As far as Brook is concerned, she has to put total trust in her guide to keep her from hitting an obstacle or another skier. She carefully listens to Steve’s constant instructions to stay safe.

“I can’t see where the trail is, but I can feel where it is and tell which way is downhill,” Brook told a Fox TV station in Utah. “It can be scary; you have to trust your guide.”

The same thing is true in your Christian walk—you have to trust your guide. Just before Jesus was arrested and crucified, he called the disciples together and said that he had much more to teach, but it would be more than they could understand. However, Jesus would send the Holy Spirit, and “when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit is equal but distinct from the heavenly Father and Jesus the Son. The three of them make up the Holy Trinity. It’s the Spirit’s job to guide, comfort, and teach us. It’s our job to listen to the Holy Spirit and follow his directions.

Daddy-Daughter Time

The concept of the Trinity is difficult to understand. Some Bible scholars like to explain it in terms of water. Water can take on three forms: ice, water, and steam. But it’s all H₂O. Similarly, God is Spirit, Son, and Father. Talk together about God’s triune nature. Even if you don’t totally understand it, that’s okay. God is so vast and amazing, it’d be impossible for us to understand everything about him. For a quick activity, walk from your bedroom to the kitchen with your eyes closed. Rely totally on the instruction of the other person to get there safely.

What’s The Word?

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.   John 16:13